Pedraza won’t last the distance with Farenas, says Penalosa October 11, 2014 MANILA, Philippines – Ten years into his professional career, Michael Farenas is still waiting for his moment. His moment didn’t come when his first title shot ended in a premature technical draw against Takashi Uchiyama after an accidental headbutt left the champion leaking in the third round. It didn’t come in his next fight, when Farenas dropped Yuriorkis Gamboa with a picture-perfect overhand left with the the interim WBA 130 pound title at stake, only to have Gamboa come back for a decision win. And it didn’t happen when Farenas dominated previously unbeaten prospect Mark Davis en route to an eighth-round technical knockout, only to be told he’d have to fight another IBF eliminator to get a shot at their junior lightweight title. But he’s hoping the day comes soon when he can justify the years spent sweating in the gym, packing his bags for Japan, Mexico, Hawaii or any other out-of-the way location that has offered him a chance at advancing his career. What Farenas has lacked in luck he’s made up for in toughness, and it’s that determination which keeps him relevant despite being on the outside looking in at THE RING’s top ten division rankings. The 30-year-old Farenas (39-4-4, 31 knockouts) will hope to make good in his second straight bout against an undefeated fighter when he meets Puerto Rico’s Jose Pedraza (18-0, 12 KOs) at Coliseo Pedrin Zorrilla in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico on Nov. 14. The bout will serve as a final IBF eliminator with the winner to be named the mandatory challenger to titleholder Rances Barthelemy. On Thursday, Farenas finished up his final day of training in Manila before he travels to Los Angeles to finish up camp at the Wild Card Boxing Club. Eden Sonsona, Farenas’ intended sparring partner, never showed up. In his place, 31-year-old former OPBF titleholder Jonel Alibio provided four rounds of quality sparring. From a vantage point underneath an adjacent speed bag, Farenas’ manager looked pleased with what he saw. “No judges this time, this fight will not last the distance. Michael will kick Pedraza’s ass,” said Gerry Penalosa, the former two-division world champion who has guided Farenas since the day he came knocking on his door in Paranaque City pleading for help to get his pro career started. While Penalosa works the phones, Gerry’s older brother Carl Jr. handles the day-to-day training duties. “This fight is 60-40 for us,” says Carl Penalosa. “Even if his opponent is taller than Mike, he’ll go inside and know how to fight there.” Farenas finds himself in a match with Pedraza after several changes of opponent for the much awaited elimination bout. Initially, Farenas thought he would be fighting Fernando Saucedo, but Saucedo was selected by Barthelemy for a voluntary defense. Barthelemy defeated Saucedo by unanimous decision earlier this month. Then Farenas thought he’d be fighting Diego Magdaleno but when no promoters submitted offers, the Las Vegas based fighter moved on. Pedraza, 25, was a notable amateur for Puerto Rico, competing at the 2008 Summer Olympics before turning pro three years ago. Pedraza, who is promoted by Dibella Entertainment, has scored two straight knockouts but Gerry Penalosa is quick to argue that he has yet to face an opponent the caliber of Farenas. “Pedraza is OK, he’s not proven yet. He was good in the amateurs but in professional I don’t think so. This is his first test against Michael so let’s see,” said Penalosa. Farenas is quick to offer a smile and a shrug, resigned to the fact that he can only know what fate awaits him once the bell rings in Puerto Rico. For his handlers, they’re hoping that the world finally gets to see in their fighter what they’ve seen all along. They’re hoping his moment is coming sooner rather than later. “Only God knows but at least we’re trying our best,” said Penalosa. “How I wish I can help him inside the ring, hold the opponent’s legs and say ‘Hey, don’t run.’”
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 21:29:24 +0000
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